PlayStation Vita is backwards compatible with PSP games, but Sony’s new handheld does not have a UMD drive. If you want to run Corpse Party, Final Fantasy Type-0 or Monster Hunter Freedom Unite you’ll need to have a PSN version.

Sony has a solution for PSP owners with a UMD library who plan to upgrade to PlayStation Vita. Their UMD Passport program will allow users to download discounted versions of the same game via PlayStation Network. Starting on December 17, PSP owners will be able to download an UMD registration application for PSP. Run the application and you can register UMD games one title at a time. After you register games you can add them to your PlayStation Network account. Log on to the PlayStation Store with the same account and you will be able to download the same game at a discounted price.

How cheap? It varies from title to title, but games Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable costs 1,500 yen while Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is 500 yen. Upgrading Onore no Shizuru Michi wo Yuke a stylized version of Cursor*10 is free. Sony Computer Entertainment America have not announced a similar program for North America. PSP games are region free and its unclear if importers will be able to utilize the UMD Passport program with Japanese PSN accounts.

Here’s a list of prices for various titles announced by SCE. Please note this is not the complete list of games that will be available for the UMD Passport program.